Broadway Baptist Church Maryville Tennessee

This morning, on this “One Body” Sunday, we are going to move away from our series in Numbers and focus our attention on the subject of a “healthy church.” We recognize the immense differences that are present in our culture in relation to what a successful, healthy church or ministry might look like.

The dramatic narrative of Israel's rebellion is now interrupted by the giving of certain laws and commandments concerning purity and holiness. The question must be answered, “How can this holy God have a relationship with these rebellious, sinful people?”

This morning we bring to a close one of the saddest chapters in the Book of Numbers. This chapter marks the rebellion and unbelief of the people of Israel. The very people that the Lord had redeemed and sustained now refuse to trust and obey! Many are the lessons that the Lord teaches us concerning both His mercy and His wrath.

As we learned last Sunday, the majority is not always right! Ten of the twelve spies brought back an “evil or bad” report even though the land was exactly as the Lord had said. It was a fruitful and abundant land, a land that God had made a covenant to give them. Yet they refused!

The journey has now brought the Israelites to Kadesh-barnea and to a point of decision. These people, who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt, guided by a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, now stand at the door of the “promised land.”

Many are the wounds of a leader, but none more painful than the wounds of a friend (or even worse wounds from a family member). The wilderness experience so far has been filled with murmuring and grumbling.

Chapter eleven begins with an opening cameo scene recounting for us the spirit of discontentment that was expressed by some within the camp. Their discontentment and unbelief caused them to grumble, murmur, and complain to Moses concerning the Lord. Grumbling and complaining may not be one of the deadly sins, but in reality, it is symptomatic of a much greater problem.

On this first Sunday of the New Year, we resume our study of the Book of Numbers. Today we read the record of the children of Israel setting out from Mt. Sinai, where they has been encamped for over a year, and heading to the border of the promised land. This travelogue forms the second section of the Book of Numbers and includes many experiences of unbelief, disobedience, and judgment. This was surely some of the darkest days in the young nation's life! Numbers 10:11-13 & 29-36

This morning's sermon at Broadway Baptist is presented by Rev. Zad Tomberlin.

This morning, only 3 days away from Christmas morning, I wish to share with you my greatest desire for you as your pastor. Of course, I desire health and prosperity for you and your family as we enter into the New Year, but I also desire that in this Christmas season, each of us would be filled with the fullness and wonder of the incarnate God. (Eph. 3:19) Paul's desire was for the churches he loved to have a deeper knowledge of the fullness of Christ. Without question, the 21st century church needs a higher and fuller appreciation of the excellency of Christ. Let us think for a moment of the “fullness of Deity (God) dwelling in bodily form.” (Col. 2:9)

Regardless of what many may believe, salvation is not the end, it is the beginning of the journey. The Passover that we examined last Sunday was clearly a beautiful picture of the deliverance from sin that every believer has experienced. However, after the deliverence comes the journey! These two realities, presented in Numbers 9, are a beautiful picture of the Christian experience; we are redeemed pilgrims!

Broadway Baptist Church Maryville Tennessee

Following the 12 Days of Giving recorded in Numbers 7 (twelve tribes presenting their offerings day by day), Moses entered into the Tent of Meeting and heard the voice of God speaking to him from “above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the cherubim.” (7:89) The communication between the Lord and Moses was unique! Deut. 34:10, “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible; Numbers 7 is the second longest chapter! This chapter details for us an extraordinary event in the life of the nation of Israel. During a twelve day festival, the people worshiped God by presenting gifts to Him to be used in the service of the Tent of Meeting. Eighty-nine verses express to us, in repetitive fashion, the beauty of worship. The work of the Lord would be supported well, as the leaders of the twelve tribes each presented their gifts before the Lord.

Today, we endeavor to unpack the Biblical truth that is found in chapters 5 and 6 of the Book of Numbers. Remember when we started our study, we said that the Book of Numbers was difficult to outline because it flows back and forth between historical narrative and purity laws. It often seems disjointed and out of order.

This morning we will survey chapters 3 & 4 as they both pertain to the tribe of the Levites and the ministry of the tabernacle. These chapters reveal a great deal concerning the awesome responsibility and seriousness of worshiping a holy God.

The study of ancestry and family history has become a popular pursuit. The Book of Numbers records the history and genealogy of the children of Israel during a period of almost half a century. Chapter two is entirely given for instruction concerning the placement of the twelve tribes.

The Setting. The opening section of the Book of Numbers, we've entitled, “Getting Ready.” This section continues the Exodus narrative and finds the people still encamped at Sinai, where God had given the people His Commandments. The mountain of God had served as a vivid and powerful picture of the awesome holiness of God. The mountain was set apart as holy and stern warnings had been given about carelessly coming too close. This is the location of approximately the first 10 chapters of Numbers. As we survey the opening, let us consider three glorious truths.

This morning we look at the final step in application of our redemption. Because of the perfect work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be glorified with Him one day! Praise be to God!

“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness-without it no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14